ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
India to Showcase its Agriculture and Food Processing prowess at EXPO2020 Dubai
India will exhibit investment opportunities in millets, organic farming, horticulture and dairy to investors worldwide
Millets Food Festival to be held as part of Dubai EXPO
India will pitch to become the preferred sourcing partner for the global food processing industry during the fortnight at EXPO2020 Dubai and host various seminars and conferences to deliberate on ways to explore international collaborations and further strengthen its export potential.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Dr.Abhilaksh Likhi, will inaugurate the ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ fortnight at the India Pavilion in EXPO2020 Dubai on February 17th, 2022. The fortnight will showcase India’s prowess in sectors like food processing, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, and organic farming and the vast investment opportunities that it offers.
As part of the key theme - ‘Millets’, the fortnight will witness the millets food festival, the launch of Millets Book, and various seminars focusing on its health and nutritional benefits. It is noteworthy here that the UN General Assembly has recently adopted the resolution, sponsored by India and supported by more than 70 countries, declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’.
Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is the largest livelihood provider in the country. The sector contributes a significant share of around 21% to the overall Gross Domestic Product . With total exports of agricultural and allied products at US$ 41.25 billion in FY21, India is among the 15 leading exporters of agricultural products in the world.
To harness the untapped potential of this sector, the Government has allowed 100% FDI in the marketing of food products and food product e-commerce under the automatic route. An incentive outlay of Rs 10,900 crore  for the food processing sector has also been approved under the PLI scheme. In addition, the comprehensive Agriculture Export Policy has been introduced to increase India’s agricultural export to US$ 60 billion by 2021-22 and US$ 100 billion in the next few years.
The sector is set to witness increased investment in agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation facilities, warehousing, and cold storage, with global consumption reaching the pre-pandemic level.
The fortnight will also see participation of several senior government officials from India who will be present during the various sessions.
The ‘Food, Agriculture and Livelihood’ fortnight will conclude on March 2nd.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Country has lost one of its finest sons: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar mourns demise of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar has mourned the passing away of former President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
In his condolence message the Minister said “India has lost one of its great sons, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Shri Mukherjee was not only an intellectual but a decision maker, a strategist and the backbone of Parliament for many years. He has left his mark on governance and administration. As President of India he has performed with clear understanding and with dignity.”
Shri Javadekar reminisced the time he sought permission from Shri Mukherjee for publishing his speeches, which the former President was kind enough to permit.
Saurabh Singh
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Ministry of Finance
CGST Navi Mumbai arrests authorized person of firm for claiming Input Tax Credit against fake invoices
Firm avails Rs. 5 Crore fictitious Input Tax Credit; accused arrested, sent on judicial custody
Mumbai, 30th December 2021
Central Goods and Services Tax , Navi Mumbai arrested the authorized person of M/s. G. S. Steel, for having availed and utilised fictitious Input Tax Credit  amounting to Rs. 5.13 Crores against bogus invoices without supply of goods. The accused has been arrested and was produced before the First class Magistrate, Belapur today, 30th December 2021 and has been sent on judicial custody for 14 days.
A team of officers of Anti-Evasion, CGST, Navi Mumbai conducted inquiry against the firm, which is involved in trading of metal scrap. During the inquiry it was found that the firm and had been availing fraudulent Input Tax Credit based on bogus invoices from their suppliers namely M/s. V K Aluminium, M/s. Markandey Traders, M/s Rigal Aluminium, M/s. M S Steels, M/s. Tamanna Trading Co., M/s. United Traders, M/s. Sunrise Traders, M/s Divine Enterprise and all the suppliers have been found to be non-existent on enquiry.
As per Section 132 of the CGST Act 2017, issuance of an invoice or bill without supply of goods or services and wrongful availment or utilisation of Input Tax Credit is a cognizable and non-bailable offence if the amount is over Rs. 5 Crore. The accused has been arrested under Section 69  of the Central Goods and Services Act, 2017 for committal of offences under Section Section 132   of the said Act

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 171.79 Cr
More than 48.18 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 97.17%
58,077 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 6,97,802
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 5.76%
With the administration of more than 48.18 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 171.79 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,91,96,734 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,03,98,922
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2nd Dose
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99,21,243
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Precaution Dose
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38,09,239
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,84,04,139
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2nd Dose
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1,73,56,693
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Precaution Dose
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51,50,607
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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5,13,17,677
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2nd Dose
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1,20,51,032
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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54,70,41,238
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2nd Dose
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42,29,50,695
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,14,14,698
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2nd Dose
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17,55,24,406
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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12,57,25,893
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2nd Dose
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10,93,53,037
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Precaution Dose
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75,31,913
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Precaution Dose
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1,64,91,759
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Total
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1,71,79,51,432
1,50,407 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,13,31,158.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.17%.
58,077 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 6,97,802. Active cases constitute 1.64% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,91,678 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 74.78 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 5.76% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 3.89%.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Expenditure on Health
As per the latest available National Health Accounts Estimates , Government Health Expenditure  was 1.2 percent of GDP
Public Health and Hospitals is a State subject, and the State Governments are primarily responsible for health related issues in their respective States. However, the Centre provides financial and technical support to State Governments. The National Health Policy , 2017 envisages raising Government health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP in a time-bound manner.
The Government has taken many initiatives to improve access to healthcare and quality of healthcare, such as National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat comprising Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, etc
The National Health Policy 2017 recognizes the importance of health research in the development of the nation’s health and the need to constantly improve healthcare based on new knowledge and evidence. The Policy supports strengthening health research in the country, drug innovation and discovery, and research collaborations.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM celebrates Silver medal by Women’s Team in 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Asian Games 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the Women’s Team of Sift Kaur Samra, Ashi Chouksey and Manini Kaushik for winning the silver medal in 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Our dedicated and talented 50m Rifle 3 Positions Women's Team has clinched a well-deserved Silver Medal in the Asian Games. They have demonstrated extraordinary talent. Congratulations to Sift Kaur Samra, Ashi Chouksey and Manini Kaushik.”
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Nomination for Vayoshreshtha Samman- National Awards for Senior Citizens 2019 for Individuals/Institutions should be sent by 31st May, 2019
Nominations for Vayoshreshtha Samman- National Awards for Senior Citizens 2019 for individuals/institutions should be sent by 31st May, 2019. The Department of Social Justice And Empowerment had invited nominations for the awards on 17th April, 2019.
The Ministries/Departments of Government of India and their autonomous organistions/State Govts. or UT Administration can nominate the suitable individuals/institutions for the said Awards. Eligible individuals/institutions may forward nomination for conferment of the award to the Department before or on 31st May, 2019.
The Department of Social Justice And Empowerment as part of celebration of the International Day of Older Persons  on 1st October every year has been conferring National Award – Vayoshreshtha Samman to eminent senior citizens and institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons. The National Awards are conferred by the President of India on the International Day of Older Persons i.e. 1st October every year.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Impact of Safta on Bicycle Industry
A Development Council for Bicycle has been set up by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, for vision planning in design, engineering and manufacturing of lighter, smarter, value added, safe and premium bicycles, which are comparable with global standards for export and domestic market. The Council aims to undertake activities to enhance export competitiveness of the industry, ensure development of holistic eco-system through close and continuous stakeholder persuasion, develop medium and small industries through innovative schemes and develop skilled human resources for bicycle manufacturing and repairs.
A project titled development and adoption of appropriate technologies for enhancing productivity in the Indian bicycle and bicycle parts sector is also being implemented through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, with financial support from the Government.
This information was given by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Presentation made by Chief Economic Adviser K. Subramanian on measures taken to boost Indian Economy
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, held a press conference on the measures taken to boost economy. Chief Economic Adviser K. Subramanian, gave a presentation on Major Interventions to Boost Economy.
Click HERE to access the presentation.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
India achieved target for making India Open Defection Free in 2019, 11 years ahead of the time set by UN - Union Jal Shakti Minister
Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in Mission Swachhta Aur Paani Telethon event conducted by Network 18 on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, said that India achieved the target for making India Open Defection Free in 2019, 11 years ahead of the time set by United Nations. “The achievement has established India as the role model for other developing nations.”
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh also highlighted the importance of oceans and preserving them. “Our oceans are our economy, and it is in the interest of the country to preserve the health of young ones,” he said.
Union Jal Shakti Minister participated in the Mission Swachhta Aur Paani Telethon event organised on the occasion of World Toilet Day.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways signs MoU with RailTel for Phase 2 of e-Office Execution
In phase 2, RailTel will register 39000 users over 34 Railway divisions in NIC e-office platform by 30th June 2020
58 units of Indian Railways were made paperless office by RailTel in phase 1
After the successful completion of the Phase 1 execution of NIC e office for 50000 users in 58 units, Indian Railways has signed MoU with RailTel, a miniratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, for the phase 2 of the project. In phase 2, RailTel will register 39000 users over 34 Railway divisions on NIC e office platform by 30th June 2020. The phase 1 of NIC e-office execution started with a mandate to complete the work by March 2020. But with a lightning speed of execution RailTel completed the work way ahead of time and successfully created 50000+ users in 58 units of Indian Railways and trained the executives to handle the platform in a span of mere 6 months’ time.
ED/TD, Railway Board, Shri Umesh Balonda, and GM/IT project/RailTel, Smt. Haritima Jaipuriar, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, Member S&T, Railway Board, Shri Pradeep Kumar, CMD, RailTel, Shri Puneet Chawla and other senior officials of Railways and RailTel were present on the occasion.
NIC e-Office is a cloud enabled software developed by National Informatics centre  that is being deployed/hosted from RailTel Tier III certified data centres at Secundrabad and Gurgaon. It is based on Central Secretariat Manual of e-Office Procedure . Currently 4 modules , Knowledge Management System , Collaboration & Messaging Services  & Personnel Information Management System  are the part of the e-office system being implemented.
E-Office fosters paper-less culture which will not only save operational cost but also reduce the carbon foot print which is one of the most urgent needs of the world and directly impacting every citizen of the country.
Department of Space
Students from Veer Surendra Sai Space Innovation Centre call on MoS Dr Jitendra Singh
Minister hails efforts of students in developing Satellite Launch Vehicle
A group of students from Veer Surendra Sai Space Innovation Centre , Odisha called on Union Minister of State  Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, here today. These students informed that their team has developed Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is a frontline nation in the field of space technology and these students will also contribute to it. The efforts of these students reflect their talent, curiosity and capabilities. He said that first time a Space Launch Vehicle  has been developed by the students, adding that nano-satellites have been developed earlier by the students. He said that this will inspire other students to excel in science and technology. The Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has natural temper for science and under his leadership Government has taken various steps for development of science and technology. The Minister further said that these students are in touch with ISRO. He further said that ISRO is providing Rs 50 lakh financial and technical assistance to these students for their endeavours. They will also utilise facilities of ISRO based upon requirement and feasibility.
ISRO has been the pioneer for encouraging space-related innovations. The team of students interacted with ISRO Chairman, Dr K Sivan as a part of “Samvad with Students”. They were registered as the first and only student body to indigenously developed and successfully launched Sounding rockets, in Limca Book of Records, 2019.
Ministry of Defence
CAS VISIT TO UAE
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC Chief of the Air Staff, embarked on an official goodwill visit to UAE.
CAS will be visiting UAE on an invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi Cdr UAE Air Force and Air Defence . IAF and UAE AF & AD have had significant professional interactions in the past few years and this visit will further strengthen the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges, as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to bus accident in Ganjam district, Odisha
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Ganjam district, Odisha. The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Pained by the bus accident in Ganjam district, Odisha. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM”
Ministry of Defence
Unit Appreciation Awarded by CINCAN to 12 JAT, INS Utkrosh and INHS Dhanvantari
Lt Gen Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command  awarded Unit Appreciation 2019-20 for outstanding performance in the last one year to 12th Battalion of the JAT Regiment, Indian Naval Ship Air Station Utkrosh and Indian Naval Hospital Ship Dhanvantari in a formal ceremony held at Dweepika Auditorium, Haddo, today.
In his address to the gathering, CINCAN commended all personnel of the three units on their professionalism and alacrity shown in pursuance of the goals of the Command. The General Officer lauded the formidable spirit of the personnel of the units being awarded and their exceptional devotion to duty with utmost dedication, determination and hard work, especially in the COVID pandemic situation. He congratulated the personnel of 12 JAT for their achievements in the field of professional and sports competitions. He commended the personnel of INS Utkrosh for their round the clock involvement in conduct of air operations, playing the role of a “Life-line” to the populace of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with the airfield being the primary operating/staging area for the Indian Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard aircraft on the islands. He particularly mentioned the involvement of INHSDhanvantari with its enviable record of treating over 700 COVID cases with full recovery in all cases. He also brought out that while these units were specially awarded, the others units are not far behind and the entire Command stands shoulder to shoulder with all the frontline warriors risking their lives towards fighting the pandemic in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The ceremony was attended by personnel of all the four components of the Command. All COVID-19 precautions were adhered to at the gathering.
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Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 61.5 kg gold concealed in Triangle Valves imported at Air Cargo Complex, IGI Airport, New Delhi
In a covert intelligence operation code-named "Golden Tap", the officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  intercepted an air cargo consignment on 11th May 2022 at Delhi Air Cargo Complex, on the suspicion that it might have smuggled gold concealed therein. The consignment declared to contain Triangle Valves, had originated from Guangzhou, China, and had arrived at Indira Gandhi International  Airport by a Japan Airlines flight.
After a thorough and prolonged examination which continued till early Thursday morning, a large number of the imported triangle valves were found to have 24 karat gold concealed in them. The intricate method of concealment, which necessitated a careful and time-consuming extraction process, would have escaped detection had it not been for the specific intelligence gathered by DRI officers. After an intensive examination, the officers of DRI were able to recover 61.5 kilograms of gold having a market value of Rs. 32.5 crore from the consignment. The recovered gold, found to be of 99 percent purity, has been seized.
This detection comes on the heels of other recent seizures of gold from air cargo and courier consignments made by the agency. These include the seizures of 11 kg of gold worth more than Rs. 5.88 crore in Lucknow and Mumbai in May, 2022 and previous seizures of 16.79 kg gold, valued at Rs. 8 crore, from a courier consignment in July, 2021, followed by the seizure of 80.13 kg gold, valued at Rs. 39.31 crore, in November, 2021 from an air cargo consignment - both at New Delhi.
DRI’s ability to detect such sophisticated modes of concealment is reinforced by these seizures and acts as a deterrent to those attempting to compromise India’s economic frontiers. DRI remains committed to continuing its relentless crackdown against the perpetrators of these crimes.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
“Statistics Day” will be celebrated on 29th June, 2021
Theme: Sustainable Development Goals -2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture
The Government has been celebrating the Statistics Day, to popularise the use of Statistics in everyday life and sensitise the public as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. It has been designated as one of the Special Days to be celebrated at the national level and is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Late Prof. P C Mahalanobis, on 29th June, in recognition of his invaluable contribution in establishing the National Statistical System.
This year, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the main event of the Statistics Day, 2021 is being organized through Video Conferencing/ Webcasting at NITI Aayog, New Delhi. The Chief Guest of the event is Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State  of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation  and Ministry of Planning. Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy, Chairman, National Statistical Commission ; Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI; Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute; Mr. Pietro Gennari, Chief Statistician, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator, are also scheduled to address the participants on the occasion. Moreover, senior officers of Central/ State Governments and other stakeholders will also participate in the event through video conferencing/ webcasting.
Every year, one particular theme of current national importance is chosen for focused discussions towards improvements in statistical systems of the area and filling the Data Gaps. The theme of Statistics Day, 2021 is Sustainable Development Goal - 2 .
On this occasion, MoSPI also recognizes the outstanding contribution for high quality research work in the field of applied and theoretical statistics benefiting the official statistical system. This year, the winners of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics, 2021 and Prof C. R. Rao National Award for Young Statistician, 2021 will be announced during the event. The winners of ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2021’ for Post Graduate Students on the subject relevant to statistics organized at All India level will also be felicitated.